With the influx of artificial intelligence (“AI”) in the workplace, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued two legal advisories to guide businesses, particularly those in healthcare, and consumers on their rights and responsibilities regarding AI. The advisories address how AI intersects with California’s existing laws, such as consumer protection, civil rights, and data privacy, and outline new laws that took effect on January 1, 2025. Bonta emphasized that while AI is evolving rapidly, businesses must ensure compliance with both established and newly enacted regulations.
The first advisory highlights the consumer protections in place for individuals impacted by AI, such as when AI is used in credit risk evaluations, hiring decisions, or medical diagnoses. Bonta warned that businesses must remain transparent and accountable for AI-driven decisions, which can sometimes lead to biased or discriminatory outcomes. He urged companies to be aware of their obligations under California’s laws that protect consumers from such harmful effects, including data privacy regulations and anti-discrimination laws.
The second advisory focuses on AI’s use in healthcare, where it is being deployed for medical diagnoses, treatment plans, and administrative tasks like scheduling and billing. Bonta highlighted the potential risks, including discrimination and privacy violations, and stressed that healthcare entities must ensure their AI systems are validated, transparent, and tested to reduce bias and harm. Transparency with patients about how their data is used and how decisions are made is also a key requirement under California’s laws.
Both advisories also address new laws that regulate AI, including those that mandate disclosure, prohibit unauthorized use of likenesses, and govern AI’s role in elections. While the advisories provide important guidance, Bonta reminded businesses that they must also comply with a wide range of other California laws. As AI continues to shape industries, the Attorney General’s office is ensuring that businesses and consumers are protected in this rapidly changing landscape.
If you have any questions regarding California labor laws and the compliant use of AI, please contact us at info@mnklawyers.com.